A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Bern for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Adelaide or Bern?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Bern can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a elegant, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Bern: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Adelaide or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adelaide than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Adelaide is more popular for its beaches and hiking, while Bern is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Adelaide is popular for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. It is also home to the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Adelaide different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bern and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Bern?

Adelaide
Bern

Bern is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bern. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adelaide
Bern

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Adelaide and Bern.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bern. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Adelaide or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide
Bern

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Adelaide and Bern.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Bern has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Adelaide or Bern Better for Beaches?

Adelaide
Bern

Adelaide is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Adelaide is considered a top beach destination. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Bern is not a beach destination.


Is Adelaide or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Adelaide
Bern

Bern is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Bern is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Is Adelaide or Bern Better for Hiking?

Adelaide
Bern

Adelaide is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

Adelaide is a good destination for hiking. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Bern?

Adelaide
Bern

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Adelaide and Bern.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Bern is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.


Is Adelaide or Bern Better for Families?

Adelaide
Bern

Bern is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bern is a very family-friendly destination. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Bern Better for Couples?

Adelaide
Bern

Bern is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide
Bern

Bern is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Bern is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.


Is Adelaide or Bern Better for Students?

Adelaide
Bern

Adelaide is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Bern is not popular with students.

Is Adelaide or Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide
Bern

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Adelaide and Bern.

Public transit in Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Bern has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Is Adelaide or Bern a more walkable city?

Adelaide
Bern

Adelaide and Bern are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Bern is a very walkable city. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.


For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adelaide and Bern. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adelaide than in Bern. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

Families should spend more time in Bern than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bern, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bern than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bern that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Adelaide if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bern.


  • How many days in Adelaide or Bern? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adelaide 2-4 
    Bern 1-3

One day in Adelaide or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful city of Bern offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Adelaide or Bern?

Adelaide is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Adelaide. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Adelaide or Bern?

The elegant city of Adelaide offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Bern is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern or Adelaide?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $111, while the average daily cost in Bern is $252. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adelaide and Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $66
    Bern $163
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $132
    Bern $326
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Bern? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Adelaide


Hotels in Bern


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Adelaide Hotel Prices and Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $19
    Bern $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Adelaide Airport(ADL)to Adelaide city - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Adelaide Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Adelaide: $57
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $62
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $66
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Adelaide - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $92
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $106
  • Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $109
  • ADL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $119
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide hotels: $220
  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $246
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide Port: $254

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $228
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $214
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $192
  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern and Adelaide change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adelaide $31
    Bern $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $23
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $79
  • Cooking classes Goolwa: $129
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $192
  • Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $230

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $14
    Bern $34

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Adelaide Self-Guided Audio Tour: $1.00
  • Queer Adelaide History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Torrens River Cruise in Adelaide: $17
  • River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise: $17
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Guided Tour: $19
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour: $19
  • An exciting, Tree Top Adventure for Our Littlest Adventurers : $23
  • River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise: $26
  • Adelaide Walking Tour: Hills, Squares and Parklands: $27
  • Adelaide Gaol Adults Ghost Tour & Investigation: $28
  • City Highlights Walking Tour with Guide: $29
  • Private Home Style Indian Dining Experience: $30

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $633
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $598
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $81
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.00
  • Bern Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour with a Local: $157
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $162
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $464
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $537
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $336

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $23
    Bern $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $30
  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $43
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $52
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $79
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $79
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $112
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $112
  • The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $112
  • Barossa Small Group Wine Tours - Local Guide: $131
  • Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $131
  • Adelaide Hills Full Day Wine Tour: $131


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Bern is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Adelaide would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adelaide and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Adelaide.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adelaide Expensive? and Is Bern Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Bern?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Bern, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Bern?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Adelaide is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bern has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Adelaide or Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Bern. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Adelaide is around the same temperature as Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the summer, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Bernin July. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in January than Bernin July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Adelaide is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Adelaide in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Bernin October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Adelaide during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. In July, Adelaide is generally much warmer than Bernin January. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 11°C (52°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Bernin January. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets more rain in July than Bernin January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Bern. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

Adelaide is a little warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Bernin April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Adelaide

Adelaide Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)